PCB Technical - PCB layout design

There are many PCB layout software packages on the market. Some are very expensive and provide advanced layout features and tools. There is also free PCB layout software, whose PCB layout functions are usually limited. Determining which option best suits your PCB layout needs and PCB manufacturing requirements can be difficult.

1. PCB artists are completely unrestricted & amp;

The PCB Artist of Advanced Circuits is completely unrestricted and can be downloaded and used for free. Although many PCB layout software packages on the market require subscription and implementation of a paywall to grant access to key features and functions, PCB Artist does not. After downloading the PCB Artist software, users can take advantage of all its functions and powerful tools.

2. Free access to PCB artist library of more than 500,000 components

Take advantage of PCB Artist's large library of free-to-use components. With this feature alone, you can simply search for the components required by the PCB, which can help you save a lot of time in the PCB layout process, and there is no need to design component sizes and symbols from scratch for most of your parts.

3. Easily transfer files used in manufacturing and Gerber format

Advanced Circuits' PCB Artist can place orders quickly and easily through its in-app quotation and ordering functions. When you enter the board parameters and specifications of the PCB layout, PCB Artist will provide an instant quotation. Once your design is complete and you are ready to place an order with advanced circuits, the software will guide you through each step of the whole process and export your files in a seamless process to complete the order. Once you have installed the first order of advanced circuits for the design, you can also request files in Gerber format.

4. What are the advantages of heavy copper in PCB design

Thermal management is more important than ever, because electronic devices are used in harsh environments and operate at higher currents. Heavy copper PCBs (internal and/or outer copper conductors 5 ounces/square foot-19 ounces/square foot; sometimes defined as more than 4 ounces per square foot (square foot)) can help conduct heat away from the component, thereby greatly reducing Fault. PCB manufacturers use heavy copper to make durable wiring platforms. The resulting PC board conducts electricity better and is more able to withstand thermal stress. These circuit boards can be manufactured in a small footprint because they can contain multiple weights of copper on the same circuit layer.

5. The advantages of heavy copper in PCB include:

Reduced thermal strain Better current conductivity Can withstand repeated thermal cycles Smaller PCB size due to copper layer delamination Increased connector position force

Industries that benefit from heavy copper printed circuit boards are military/defense, automotive, solar panel and soldering equipment manufacturers, and other industries that require circuit boards that can handle the complex heat generated today. Another major industry where heavy copper makes sense is industrial control. Heavy copper plated through holes are best for transferring heat to an external heat sink. Efficient power distribution is very important to ensure the high reliability of the PCB, and heavy copper can achieve this.

6. Heavy copper is not a new innovation because it has been used in PCBs for a long time and can withstand the strict requirements of military and defense applications, such as weapon control. Mainstream electronics manufacturers are increasingly demanding that heat be removed from the components, and heavy metals are becoming more common in more and more non-military applications.

7. Heavy-duty copper plates are manufactured by electroplating and etching techniques. The goal is to increase the copper thickness on the sidewalls of the vias and the plated holes. If the circuit board undergoes multiple cycles during the production process, the plated holes will become weaker, and the addition of heavy copper will strengthen these holes. Circuit boards made of heavy copper can implement high current/power and control circuits on a single circuit board.

8. PCB manufacturers will verify with customers and understand their requirements, and match the heavy copper manufacturing process to specific needs. For example, it is very important to understand the component type, the number of layers and the material requirements. PCB manufacturers can quote customers and introduce the pros and cons of using heavy copper. Advances in technology have created a process that utilizes electroplating and edging.